Should you write a book?

Many “should” questions can be answered with a technique that’s hundreds of years old.

Between inventing bifocals and being the first technical content marketer, Benjamin Franklin is recognized as the creator of the Pro/Con list.

Here’s how Franklin described it:

Divide half a Sheet of Paper by a Line into two Columns, writing over the one Pro, and over the other Con. Then during three or four Days of Consideration I put down under the different Heads short Hints of the different Motives that at different Times occur to me for or against the Measure.

Are you thinking about writing a book?

You opened this email, so there’s a good chance you might be interested…

It could even make a lot of sense to connect with your technical audience.

So, grab a piece of paper and divide half with a line like ol’ Ben describes.

On the pro side of your paper, you might write:

• Be seen as an expert in your topic
• Open doors to conferences and other events
• Use the book as marketing for a product (or yourself)
• Finally become an author​

And on the cons side, you could jot down:

• You dislike writing
• No clear connection between the topic and your work
• You aren’t sure you’ll finish the book​

After deep consideration, perhaps seeing these two lists will help you make the right call.

You might also have other questions, such as whether you need a publisher or a print book. I answer those in my post, Self-Publishing as Technical Marketing.